I'm not going to write trying to make a case for Chipper being a first ballot of Hall of Famer (he is) or where he ranks among 3rd basemen in the history of the game (top 3). This is about my favorite player on my favorite team.
The Braves were my first true love. It's something I share with my older brother Eli. I had just turned 8 when they won the World Series in '95. I can still see that David Justice home run to right center in the 6th inning of Game 6 like it happened yesterday. Elation doesn't begin to describe how I was. The Braves never did win another World Series, despite getting to two more ('96, '99. Damn Yankees!)
Chipper was second in the Rookie of the Year ballot for '95, behind Hideo Nomo. It was also the beginning of one of the greatest careers in Braves, and baseball, history.
Chipper won the MVP in 1999. This was during the home run surge of the late '90s, where everyone thought the balls were juiced. (Turns out it wasn't the balls.) He didn't lead the league in home runs. He didn't lead in batting average or RBIs either. He just played the best all around baseball of anyone in the league, leading Atlanta to the World Series. Sadly, they got swept by the Yankees. Damn Yankees!!!
I remember when the Braves signed Vinny Castillo, and Bobby put him at 3rd base. Chipper just took it in stride, moving to left field. After Vinny left, Chipper took back 3rd like nothing ever happened.
One of the greatest memories I have of the Chipper Era was the heated rivalry with the Mets. Every time he came to the plate in Shea Stadium, the Mets fan would chant "Larry! Larry! Larry!" He would usually follow that up by murdering the baseball. He owned the Mets, and their fans hated him for it. But I guarantee you after Chipper's final game in New York against the Mets on September 9th, those Mets fans that hate him will show how they also respect him.
He was the anchor in the Braves lineup for the majority of the years during that 15 season stretch atop the division. Since that streak ended, the Braves and Chipper have both fallen on harder times. They've missed the playoffs 5 of the last 6 seasons. Chipper has had continuous injury problems during that stretch. How Chipper goes, so go the Braves.
As sad as it is too see, I'm glad Chipper announced before the season. Now he'll get to go out on his own terms. Questions won't get asked. Teammates won't get bothered. He'll get his victory lap season just like Bobby did two years ago. And next year, Chipper will come out and be honored at Turner Field. He'll probably throw the first pitch. The number "10" that he's worn since he came to Atlanta will be retired, forever being tied to him. And if things get a little crazy this year, maybe he'll be getting his second World Series ring.
You can follow me on twitter at: @Jake_Collin
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